Voting In Primary Election

           A couple of weeks ago, I had the task of working at one of the election polls in our most recent primaries.  I would like to share a few impressions and observations about this day with my readers.

            In our particular polling precinct we have almost 3,000 registered voters. We use 2 voting machines. In the course of this particular day we used 10 workers. Assignments ranged from the clerk taking ID’s and verifying the names on the registered voters list to the clerk asking which party the voter chose to vote in-to ballot clerks issuing ballots to the clerk giving out “I Voted” stickers and directing to the exit. Then there is the Precinct Inspector overseeing it all.

The single act that caused the most agitation to the voter, by far was the issue of declaring which primary they chose to vote in. Their reactions ranged from blank stares to outright rage. Which brings me to the topic of today’s blog:

Primary Election Voter Education….

            I have worked the polls for at least ten years now and I can NOT for the life of me understand how some people’s minds work. When a voter comes in to vote, one would assume that if they made the effort to come to the polls to vote they would at the very least have some idea about what and who they are voting for. But unfortunately the fact is that a good 70% (or more in some situations) seemed to be ignorant to most of the issues associated with primaries. So in the interest of educating and keeping it simple, I will try to demystify the process.

            First of all, a primary is an election that decides which person will be in the General Election in November of an election cycle. That simply means that all the weeks prior to an election, when the politicians are rallying and knocking on your door-promising to do a better job, etc. -it is just so they can be nominated as your district-city-county-state or national representative in the primary election in June. That means that there may be as little as 2 or as much as 6 or more candidates running for one spot in the Republican or Democratic or Independent or Libertarian slot. Most of the time there will be a Republican and a Democrat. In Alabama when you come to the polls to vote in a June Primary-you must declare your Party in order to get either a Blue Republican ballot with all the Republican candidates on it or a White Democratic ballot with just Democrat candidates on it. You can ONLY get ONE ballot- either or- you CAN NOT cross party lines in a Primary Election. You may cross party lines in the General Election in November.

            Why this is so upsetting to voters is beyond me. One thing voters need to know is that we polling officials DO NOT care how you vote. Nor do we remember how you vote. It doesn’t matter to us. We are impartial (theoretically and legally) to your voting decision. Voters need to understand the process. Voters must select, or narrow the field if you will, so that there is only one nominee for each party in the November General Election. Republicans versus Democrats (or Independents and Libertarians as the situation dictates). But a Primary is for narrowing the field down to just one candidate per party.

            With that said, as often the case, there is a July run-off election held when the votes are close and a decision hasn’t been made as to who is the most popular choice. After 6 weeks from the Primary election, a run-off vote will make that determination if it is not yet clear.

The actual process goes like this: You-the voter come into the polling precinct with your ID ready to be shown. Usually you wait in line until the next clerk is available. While waiting you will notice all the posted signs giving you every possible direction from which ID’s are acceptable to what your rights as a voter are, to step by step instructions on how to vote. READ the signs… You will also see do’s and don’ts such as no cell phones in the polling area, no campaigning within 30 feet of the entrance; you must enter one way and exit another, etc. These are state, county or city mandated rules. NOT the poll workers rules.

The poll workers are simply your neighbors volunteering their time, effort and patience for a very nominal fee. They must attend election school the week before to cover the rules and guidelines. The inspectors must attend 2 schools, and be responsible for all things that occur on election day and up to the point of surrendering the ballots and documents at the end of the election night. The workers must be at the polling place the day before to set up and then be at the polling place by 6AM the morning of and then are there until at least 8 PM or later. Some precincts are unheated and/ or not air-conditioned. They will receive dozens of complaints ranging from the before mentioned primary choice to having to walk too far to “I didn’t bring ID” to “I don’t want to write my name” to “I don’t like how the ballot is designed”. Some will be so irate that they actually hurl insults and profanities to actual objects at the workers. Come on people! We are your neighbors just trying to help out. If you are that displeased with the process, then why not get involved and try to change it in a fashion that is more helpful than hurtful. Honestly, the whole reason that I even agreed to get involved all those years ago was because every time I came to vote, I was taken aback by how rude the poll workers seemed to be. It was intimidating and off putting. I was determined that kill them with kindness would be my motto. As of today, I can honestly say that every single one of the workers at my polling precinct (with the exception of one) will greet you with a smile and a wholehearted attempt to help you in the voting process. Ahh- but I digress.

After you have shown your ID and been verified and declared your party choice in the primary election, you will sign the appropriate book while the clerk writes your name in the corresponding book on the corresponding line that will be turned in to the board of registrars at the end of the day. This will notify them that you have voted and prevent you from being placed on the inactive list after not voting in 4 election cycles. Once you are put on the inactive list, you will be allowed to vote only after you have completed an update form made available to you on Election Day. However, if you have failed to complete an update form after so long you are purged from the list and will have to re-register in order to vote. YOU CAN NOT REGISTER at the voting precinct on Election Day. You must go to your board of Registrars to do this in advance.

Sometimes in the process of signing voters in there are human errors that must be corrected and this means that you may have to wait until they have been taken care of. It happens. No one is perfect. The mistakes must be corrected before moving on to avoid bigger mistakes later. It is a process. Please be patient.

After being signed in at the Primary Election, you are issued a slip that is either blue or white indicating which ballot you will receive. The type of ballot is determined by your primary choice and by where you live in the district that you are voting in. District lines are drawn up in advance and can be confusing to voters. You may be voting in a different district than even your neighbors across the street. Again, the poll workers have no influence in this and you should address any issues you have with this with your elected officials AFTER the election.

Once you have your slip indicating your ballot style you will give it to the ballot clerks who will in turn issue you the proper ballot. Some voting precincts do not use pens and use levers instead. In Alabama, we are pretty universal and use the marking ballots. You will be given a marking pen and a privacy folder and then be directed to go into the voting area to mark your ballot. The voting “booths” are set up with dividers for your privacy.

When marking your ballot, you should be careful to only mark on the ballot where indicating your candidate or issue choice. Any stray marks or changing after marking will kick out (reject) your ballot as unreadable or overvoted. Don’t panic-it happens. Don’t be embarrassed or upset. You aren’t the first voter to have this happen to and you certainly will not be the last. Poll workers are equipped to handle it. If this happens, you will be asked to fold your ballot in half in order to ensure your voting privacy and the top corner will be torn off so that it cannot be fed into the voting machine. The “spoiled” ballot will be placed into an envelope designated as Spoiled Ballots at the ballot clerk table and a new ballot will be issued to you. At the end of the day the spoiled ballots will be turned back in along with all the other documents, unused ballots and voted ballots. While the votes on the spoiled ballots will not be counted, the number of spoiled ballots will be. ALL ballots must be accounted for at the end of the day and reconciled to the number of ballots originally received at that precinct.

Once you have completed your choices on your ballot while sitting in the privacy booths, you will then take you ballot to the voting machine. The machine will take your ballot in a designated slot with arrows. You can place your ballot in upside down, upright, or backwards and the machine will read it. It should read it anyway but sideways. The machine will make a beep and your vote will be counted. The machine will display a number but not how you voted at that time. You will then proceed to the exit where you will drop off your marking pen and privacy folder and receive an “I Voted” sticker. This sticker is given to you to designate you as a voter and to remind others to vote when they see it on you. Wear it with pride. Remember that you have just had the honor of doing something that not everyone can do.

You will exit and hopefully your experience has been a good one. At the end of the day the poll workers will make a reconciliation of all ballots with the number of voters. Tapes will be printed in that process that must be sent to various places and put in different envelopes. A printout of the results will go to the Republican Party, the Democratic Party, Independent, Libertarian, etc. A results printout will be posted on the precinct window for anyone to view. A printout will go to the news media, the Probate Judge and Sheriff and/or other designated officials. The results printout will have a tally of all the votes. Not who voted but just the results.

All the results will be taken to the proper authorities at the end of the Election Day once balanced and reconciled. Then all the machines are zeroed out, and supplies packed up to be returned to the proper places. The voting area cleaned up and put back in order. The Election Day in the history books and put to bed; ready for the next run-off or General Election.

In the General Election, the voters will be able to vote on their candidate or issue of choice without declaring parties.

Beth Chapman - Alabama Secretary of State says:

Crossover voting occurs when a voter who participated in one political party's primary election votes in the primary run-off election for an opposing political party. Alabama election law authorizes each political party to establish rules governing its primary elections (§17-16-14, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended), including the establishment of rules as to who may vote in its runoff election

The Democratic Party has adopted a crossover voting rule that prohibits a voter from participating in its primary runoff election if the voter participated in another political party's primary election. For example, a voter who participated in the Republican Party primary may not vote in the Democratic Party's primary runoff.

The Republican Party has not adopted a crossover rule. Thus, voters who participate in either the Republican Party's or Democratic Party's primary election may legally vote in the Republican Party's primary runoff election.

 Alabama Republican Party Chair Mike Hubbard says:

Right now, Alabama Republicans allow what’s called “crossover voting,” meaning anyone can vote in their runoff elections, even if they voted in the Democratic primary on June 1st. Democrats put a rule in place several years ago that prohibits that, and Republican party chair Mike Hubbard today said he thinks the Republicans should do the same before the July 13th runoff.
“I think that’s something we ought to consider,” Hubbard said Wednesday. “And I think it makes sense, I don’t know anybody who would have a problem with that. It just stands to reason if you voted in Democrat primary, then you shouldn’t be able to come over and have an influence in who the Republican nominee is.”

--------------------

          However, as of June 11^th, nothing has changed and crossover voting still occurs. But more importantly, voters should take the time to investigate the issues and the candidates. Check out the voting records, the ideas, the supporters making the contributions. One vote can make the difference.

Check out some of these web sites to become informed:

http://www.lwval.org/ef/

http://www.politics1.com/al.htm

http://www.uselections.com/al/al.htm

http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/

Publish Post

2010 Cotton Row Run 10K

Well after signing up over a month ago, the day finally arrived for the 31st running of the Mercedes Benz Cotton Row Run in Huntsville, Alabama on May 31, 2010. Some 5,240 runners had signed up for the three races, 10K, 5K & fun run and for the Fallen Officer's Memorial Walk. The weather was overcast and a big muggy and humid. 

After suffering from shin splints from “Hades” in the past, we got out our Kinesio Tape the night before and applied in the appropriate places. I looked quite the bionic woman afterward. Bright blue tape up and down my leg, strategically placed to prevent the pain that I suffer after each race.

The night before, my husband whom I think believes I have lost my mind anyway, quietly cornered me urging me to at least drop down to the 5K if I was dead set on running in this race. Oh if he only knew how those same thoughts had crossed my mind more than once. But I am a stubborn woman and I had decided I was all in.

After another sleepless night before, I woke at 3 AM to prepare for the day. My usual pre-race nerves were at an all time high that morning. For some reason I just can't seem to get a handle on them. I had a lot of anxiety over the usual issues like will I be able to stay with the running pack and will I look stupid running, do I need to drink my coffee or eat something, and if so-then what? If I eat will I get the runners trots, and if I don't eat will I be able to make it on empty. What will I wear? If it rains or I run through the sprinklers will my shirt be see through? All the usual crazy things going through my mind..

Worse still, that morning I woke up with my previously broken foot hurting me. I had not run in 3 weeks. I just didn't feel at the top of my game. I was going to run in my largest race ever going farther than I ever had in a race and I was not physically prepared after not training for so long. What was I thinking?

A friend had called the day before to ask about riding together and I really considered backing out of the whole thing then. But I told myself that I had made a commitment and I was going to see this through. My daughter and I had run the course 3 weeks earlier just to be sure I could complete it. A group was meeting every weekend morning for the whole month to train. We went. It was torture. I walked/jogged and ran it slowly and not even within sight of the others, but I finished it. My daughter stayed with me as we made our way.

But today was the day. Monday, Memorial Day 2010. As my daughter and I drove to my friends house to pick him up, I truly felt sick at my stomach. It was beyond butterflies- it was an “I may need to pull over and hurl” feeling all the way there. We drove the 30 minutes it took to get there with my husband and other daughter following behind us in the pre dawn dark. In my Nike Structure shoes and my Reebok running pants and top with my blue taped legs, I was as ready as I was going to be. But definitely was questioning my sanity at that point.

We were early and got a prime parking spot. The setups were just getting underway. We had time to walk around and relax a bit before things started jumping. It helped. As the people poured in, I became calmer and “zen” like. It took effort, but I reminded myself that my goals were simple that day. Foremost it was just complete the race. Secondly I would like to not be the last person over the finish line. Thirdly, have some fun and enjoy the race. I realize this sounded like some very low goals to the diehard competitive racers, and I must admit not my usual mindset when competing. But I had to realistic. I was undertrained to expect anything more.

Once we were instructed to line up at the 7AM start time, I went to the point near the back of the pack. Then I decided to move up more to the middle of the pack as everyone tightened up the lines. As we stood in line, the officials gave us a speech about how this was a challenging course and that only those truly fit should run it. That if you weren’t there was no shame in dropping out. Great! Just what I needed to hear when I was already feeling a bit overwhelmed. Good Grief. But stubborn and determined I held my place.

Then after the pre-race ceremonies were over, we were off. A throng of thousands literally, elbow to elbow for at least the first half mile and then it started opening up as the faster runners pulled ahead of the pack.

As I ran through the streets of Huntsville with my fellow runners, the spectators cheered us on. Hundreds of people had come to cheer on their loved ones and strangers as they each worked to accomplish their own personal goals for the day. It was such a neat sight to see and made me feel so good.

As we made our way through the 6.2 miles, we would talk amongst ourselves. I met new people and heard their short stories about their experiences that day or why they were running. Some were running for their first time, some were running their 100^th time and recovering from injuries. Of course the faster runners were long gone from our area of the pack, but you felt like comrades as you ran together and chatted; happily knowing there were quite a few more runners behind us. Validating that while we might be slow, we weren’t the slowest; not that being the slowest was bad.

The topic always turned to the hill ahead; that hateful straight up hill that seemed to go on forever. I knew where it was and I knew it would take all my mettle to reach the top. Once we made it through that point, we would be half way and the rest would be relatively easy after that. As I was running I encountered four 15 year girls running their third 10K together. These girls were so funny. Ah youth… But being able to say that I was able to hang with the 15 year olds for most of the race made me feel a little better about it all. Now they may feel differently because they have to say they ran with the 50 year old. And we followed the 70 year old that beat us all…

Once we reached the bottom of the dreaded hill, someone had the theme from Rocky playing loudly to spur us on. It did inspire me to run the first quarter of it before my legs said “What you talking about woman?!!” NO WAY! So I walked the rest of the way up; at one point almost crawling it as my nose came closer and closer to the asphalt. When your car actually has to strain to get up a hill, you know its steep.

However, once I reached the top, the guys carrying the American Flag were there to cheer us on and congratulate us for our successes. The water station was ahead and a sprinkler was set up to run through to cool us down. Thank you Huntsville!! After that point, it was another smaller hill and then the very steep downhill descent. I turned it on as fast as I safely could. I reached the bottom to the blaring sounds of Alicia Keyes’ Empire State of Mind. Just what I needed to give me that extra push along. The people standing in their yard cheered us loudly and we all had a bit of dancing in the streets with the music as we went by. It was a priceless moment. Next, it was a shout out to some more friends who lived along the course way and some more cheering on. By then we all knew we were going to make it. It was mile 4 and only 2.2 more to go…

As I pounded out those last couple of miles, loudly breathing, trying to conserve that little bit for the sprint at the finish line, I was smiling and feeling that this is where I needed to be. Maybe that was that runners high I had kept hearing so much about. I truly loved the moment. This was the first time that I could remember actually enjoying the run itself. Before, the enjoyment always came after it was over.

That last quarter mile was priceless. The crowds cheering, the music playing, the excitement in the air; it was all good. As I crossed the finish line, my friends and family were there waiting and cheering me on. They had run good races and were feeling good too. My husband was smiling and proud of me also. The first person I saw was the smiling face of my younger daughter as she whooped and hollered for me; it was all perfect.As I sat at the base of a big elm tree I savored the moment. I had accomplished my goals. I had done IT! I may be slow, but I still did it. It was just bliss. I can’t describe it any better.

The day was a great day. The race was perfectly organized. The rain had held off. The crowds were huge. I saw no one injured or sick. It was just good fun!

Maybe –just maybe-there is still some kick left in me yet….

Granted I have been sore all over, but no shin splints. Yea Kinesio tape!

Training for the Cotton Row Run 10K

This week I have begun training for my first 10K. Even though I have run more than the standard 5K in my weekly runs, I usually have some resting time in between and I am not racing against a time clock and other runners. So this week in preparation for the 10K at the end of this month, I ran the course with my daughter.

The Cotton Row Run is a fairly flat course for the first mile or so but then it begins to rise into a rather steep elevation halfway through the course. The grade at the highest point is quite steep. After that steep climb you have one smaller hill heading towards Monte Sano Mountain before it turns and heads back down a sharp descent for about a mile down Bankhead Parkway. Once that descent levels off then it is back to a level course into town until the finish line back on the corner of Clinton Avenue and Monroe Street. You will pass Maple Hill Cemetery and weave through some lovely neighborhoods along the way.

For our “trial” run, we joined a group of twenty or so other runners that were also training, led by a delightful woman representing Fleet Feet Sports. Sporting my new Brooks Adrenaline shoes and my new Reebok top, I was ready to go.

I had already decided before we arrived that morning that I had a couple of goals for the day. First was to finish the course under the required cut off time. Secondly, not to try and set any records, just to enjoy the run and see if I could do it without killing myself. I knew I would be at the back of the pack and was okay with that for this trial run. Mostly I just wanted to be sure I had the stamina to finish.

With my trusty water bottle in hand, we began downtown near the Von Braun Civic Center and then proceeded down Church Street to Lowe and onward. As the other runners took off at the speed of light, I found myself struggling from the start. As they all passed me, I was surprised that it didn’t bother me more. I didn’t have any pressure on me to do anything more than finish. It was a beautiful cool morning and the traffic was light. So when I needed to walk-I walked. Once I felt ready then I ran again.

As the rest of the pack moved further away I just kept going. My resolve to enjoy and not be bothered by being left in the dust was waning. I was becoming frustrated and my stupid water bottle kept leaking. What was I doing thinking I could do this? I was still struggling with 5K’s and now I thought I could tackle a 10K?.. Stupid, stupid, stupid!

Finding myself all alone, I reached a curve in the road bordered by a hedge row feeling a little dejected and sorry for myself.  Happily, as I reached the other side of the hedge row was my daughter standing patiently waiting for me. “Hey Mom. How are you making it?” she asked. So sweet that one. “Not so well I’m afraid…” I replied. “Well then I will just run with you.” she said. I protested but she insisted. Knowing she had no trouble finishing the course she said she wanted to stick with me. Probably worried I would have a heart attack. So together we trudged on with her encouraging, cajoling and sometimes ordering me along. Suck it up woman-you can do this!

About the time we reached the bottom of the highest elevation hill at about 3 ½ miles, we heard some horrific sounding screaming coming from further down the road. It appeared that some loose larger dogs had attacked a smaller dog that a woman was walking on leash. It was horrible to hear and we considered seeing if there was anything we could do, but some men had come to her aid and we decided to keep going. The dogs had run the opposite direction, but we warned some people we passed who were in their yard with their dog to be vigilant.

As we started up the hill with that hateful elevation, I really had to dig deep to make it up to the top, walking (almost crawling) pretty much the whole thing (of course). We were both quite winded once we reached the top and I was out of water thanks to that dumb leaky water bottle. Gasping, exhausted and wondering if I was going to make it, another surprise awaited me. 

Thankfully at the very tip top of the hill was the sweetest, most angelic little girl standing there with a cup of cold lemonade for me. She and her brother and her young parents had graciously volunteered to hand out drinks and had waited on me to get there. She looked to be about 5 years old and bless her soul was so precious. That was the best tasting lemonade I have ever tasted. The parents encouraged me and told me it was all downhill from there. I felt that I would be able to continue after that.

After leveling off and then climbing another small grade, the road quickly did a switchback and it was a rapid descent. My daughter told me I looked like a crazy out of control hobbit running down that hill, flailing my arms for balance. I just laughed and kept going. I didn’t care; I was actually enjoying myself at that point, knowing I was over the halfway mark. 

At the bottom of the hill we were back in a neighborhood and zigzaged around until we reached the busy intersection of Pratt and Gallatin and then proceeded through downtown again. Heading back towards the Civic Center, I was never so glad to see the finish line.

I had done it!! Granted I am not sure I would have persevered without my daughter by my side on that initial run, but now I know I can do it. My goals for the day were accomplished and knowing what I face, I feel confident that I can improve my time and not be too embarrassed when I run (hobbit looking or not)...

As one of the more experienced runners told me the other day when I was complaining about my poor performance as a new runner, “At least you are out there doing it!” I say “Thank you!” I needed to hear that. Thank you for once again reinforcing my feelings that runners are some of the most optimistic, encouraging people I have ever met. So to all you old runners, new runners, and any in between- I want you to know, it really does matter when you pass along a kind word to your fellow runners. Please remember that…it might just make the difference between someone continuing this sport or giving up.

Lynchburg Oak Barrel Half Marathon

        On April 3^rd the Lynchburg Oak Barrel Half Marathon was run. The course started on the Lynchburg square and went through the beautiful countryside of Moore County Tennessee. The run finished at the Jack Daniels Visitor Center where Jack Daniels hosted the post race festivities.

While I didn’t personally run this event, my daughter and some friends did. For some of them it was their first half marathon. For those who don’t know what a half marathon is let me explain. It is running for 13.1 miles! A marathon is twice that far. I struggle to run 3.1 miles so running thirteen miles is a bit overwhelming to think about.

        A couple of days before the race, we drove up to Lynchburg to pick up the race packet and check out the course. But before we arrived in Lynchburg, we decided to make a few stops along the way.

A quick trip to Fleet Feet Sports store in Jones Valley area of Huntsville, Alabama to look for some athletic gear was first on the agenda. Because you know it’s all about how you look when you are running for us gals. The better you look-the faster you run…This is a scientific fact. This is also a very valuable lesson for all you new runners out there, so file that in your must have file… 

For those of you not familiar with Fleet Feet Sports store, we’ll let me tell you, these guys and gals are awesome. See my blog about my experience with them. They will put you in the right shoe to help you be the best “athlete” you can be.

        Then it was back over the mountain for some retail therapy at the Parkway Mall in south Huntsville. We still had some additional shopping to do. My daughter had an Easter event to go to that weekend and “needed” a new dress. Never mind that her closet is overflowing with clothes.

        Of course by then it was lunch time and a stop at Panera Bread was a must. A chicken Caesar sandwich and some black bean soup. Yummy! We dined on the patio in the warmth of a spring sun. It was heavenly.

Finally we were ready to make our way through the hills to Lynchburg. The weather was nice and pleasant and the drive enjoyable. Beautiful country vistas along the way once we were able to make our way out of the crowded streets of Huntsville. You are just kind of driving along and then you come upon this quaint little town that has a town square filled with neat shops. Old southern homes surround the area and everything is centered around the Jack Daniels Distillery industry. It is very clean and well maintained area with some really nice and friendly people.

 While the town itself sits on a flat area, it is surrounded by some rather steep hills and somewhat mountainous roads. As we were driving in we were getting antsy about seeing where the course route was going to take us. As soon as we arrived in town we stopped at the Jack Daniels Distillery to pick up the race packet. The crowds were already pouring in by then and it was still two days until the race.

The organizers had the pickup booth set up on the porch of the Distillery and things went very smoothly. They were very helpful and answered all of our questions. The shirt was neat and there were lots of goodies in the race packet. Most importantly, the course map was in there and we were able to plan the drive to see the elevations.

The course itself was not too horrible. But there were some steep hills along the way, with one in particular that looked very daunting. Nicknamed whiskey hill it was a major switchback that pretty much had everyone walking it. It was definitely the hill that separated the pros from the newbies.

After driving the course, my daughter had some time to mull it all over. At least then she knew what she was facing. Luckily we had been training on some hills that were comparable and felt it was a doable course.

The morning of the race it was drizzling rain as we drove through the 4 AM dark roads. Having taken a different route there, I had to drive through some winding unfamiliar roads in the fog. Once we arrived safely, thank goodness, the crowds were gathering and we were super lucky to get a prime parking spot in the area designated just off the town square. The rain went from drizzly to hard rain while we waited for the race start. 

The tension and excitement in the area was palpable. Nerves were on edge and everyone seemed ready for the start. There were almost 700 runners ready to race the streets of Lynchburg. As I waited on the sidewalk out of the rain, I envied those out there in the rain. I wanted to be a part of it but knew I wasn’t ready.

 

Once the race started, they were off into the rain and over the hills, through the valleys and back to the Jack Daniels Distillery for the finish. As the race had progressed, the rain had become torrential at times but no one seemed to mind. It actually cooled things off. The biggest complaint that I heard was that it made their shoes feel like weights on their feet as they ran. 

When it was all over, the first runner, a 33 year old man from Georgia, had completed the course at a time of 1:17:00. Six hundred and eight four racers later, a 46 year old man from Nashville had finished the race with a time of 3:49:38. There were young people to old people and everything in between people running. There were marriage proposals and breakups. There were people running together as teams and individuals running to represent struggles overcome. There were cancer survivors and handicapped runners. There were those running for the first time and those running their hundredth run. It was an awe inspiring event. They all came together to achieve some inner goal and accomplishment all the while cheering on their fellow runner until the last man crossed the finish line. I love this atmosphere! 

The medals received at the finish line were heavy and impressive. Just like the feeling in the hearts of every runner who had entered that last leg of the race to the cheering crowds and crossed that line at the finish….

Country Music Marathon Nashville

                Country Music Marathon      

This past Saturday my daughter ran in the 2010 Country Music ½ Marathon Race in Nashville, Tennessee. We left home on Friday and drove up in order to get to the expo early and pick up her race packet. Our thinking was that being there in the morning as they opened we would beat most of the crowd. We were partially right. We may have beat some of the crowd but there were still thousands already there waiting before it even opened. We waited in lines just to get onto the escalators to go to the lower levels. It felt like we were cattle being herded to loading shoots.

        This being the fourth leg of the 2010 Rock and Roll Marathon series, there were over 35,000 runners signed up to run including the YMCA’s kids marathon held on Friday. Almost 31,000 finished the full and half marathons. Multiply this with most people having additional family and friends with them to cheer them on and it was staggering.

The earlier race series were run in Arizona in January with over 27,000 finishers, New Orleans in February with almost 13,000 finishers, and Dallas, Texas in March with almost 9,500 finishers. Some of these races included half marathons, full marathons, 50K’s and 2 person relays. These are really big deals in the towns where they are held. In Nashville alone I read that they expected a minimum of 40 million dollars of revenue to be generated from this event alone. That’s astounding!

                The Expo

Once we finally arrived at the entrance door to the expo at the Nashville Convention Center, we were directed to the registration lines. These were set up by whichever corral you had been assigned to at the start line according to your expected finish time. This was a time that you had predicted yourself based on your pace in previous races and training runs. As it were, we were sent to coral 9. The longer lines seemed to be at the higher numbers, so we were able to get to the counter fairly quickly.

Once my daughter gave her name, the man behind the packet pickup counter searched his box for her packet. She had to produce a driver’s license to verify her identity as no one else could pick up her packet for her. Once he saw where we were from, he kind of smirked and said “Hmmph! You guys came up here to run in our race. Don’t you have your own ones to run in?” We just looked at each other and tried to decipher if he was really serious. As he looked through his box he continued to mumble some incomprehensible nonsense. I jokingly offered to him that we often welcomed people from Tennessee in our races and were always happy to take their money so we figured Tennessee would like to receive some of ours back. He just ignored my comments and gave us our packet explaining where to go to get her t-shirt and how to change corrals. After taking the packet and proceeding on, we were feeling a little uneasy about the exchange we’d just had. Surely we told ourselves; in this day and age the “feuds” between states no longer existed.

After making a quick corral change to coral 8 to be able to run with a friend, we moved on to the t-shirt pickup and into the first section before actually entering the expo exhibits. Brooks Running Apparel had everything imaginable for sale. Not hugely discounted but if you looked hard enough you could find a deal or two. Limited in their sizes on t-shirts, but had some very friendly sales people. Their checkout counters were very well organized to handle the huge volume of customers there. After making a few purchases, we moved into the actual expo arena.

Holy Crowds! Dozens of vendors had been set up, each hawking whatever product they represented. It was an athlete’s dream. From shirts to shoes to hair implements to performance enhancing supplements. There were watches and bracelets to compression socks and quilts. It was off the wall! Publix was the mother lode. They were giving away food samples, noise makers and banners for the spectators to cheer on their loved ones.

We made our way to the line for the will call ticket booth for the concert that was to follow the awards ceremony that night. The lady there asked for the name and a photo ID. Again with the comments about being from another state. What the heck? I know for a fact that there were people from all over the United States running in this race. Even some international participants; so what gives? Was it just our state? Then when we walked away, I looked back and caught them giving us the stink eye. Good grief! Just smile and move on….

After spending quite some time at the expo, we finally made our way to the exit. Now it was on to the hotel. Our GPS gave us great directions; straight through industrial park and through the seedier part of the city. I don’t mind saying I was a little nervous about this hotel we had booked online.

However, once we arrived I was very pleased with our accommodations and location at the Radisson. It was out by the airport with eating establishments within walking distance. The check in was painless and pleasant. They even gave us vouchers for several complimentary meals in their restaurant. Very nice touch indeed and one that we took advantage of. The room was nice and clean and comfortable with a good view. They even made special arrangements for their guests to provide a shuttle bus to the starting line near the Parthenon in Centennial Park and from the finish line later at LP Field. This was wonderful since the tickets for the events shuttles were sold out already on Friday. Believe me the $20 that we paid was well worth the round trip afterwards. Especially after seeing the nightmare of parking at the event and the fact that the bus was waiting on us at the curb when it was over. Sweet! The shuttle bus concierge was sp pleasant and accommodating. He welcomed us-even if we were from another state!

                Early Departure

The morning of the race was so exciting and at times overwhelming. The bus ride over to Centennial Park included people from Ohio and Boston. It was a first from the ones from Boston. They were nervous and anxious. We arrived at about 5:30 AM for the 7:00 AM start time. Thank goodness we did, because they moved the start time up because of the impending bad weather. That maneuver turned out to be a blessing and a curse for some.

Due to the nightmare of parking that many people and then gear drop offs that were across the park from the start line, if you weren’t there early you didn’t know about the start time change. Many of those that were in the earlier corrals didn’t get to start at their assigned times and had to jump in wherever. This turned out to be bad for those whose times were faster and had to fight past the slower runners.

The earlier start was good because it allowed most of the runners to be finished before the rain started. However, they had also implemented a cutoff time for the marathon runners to reach the halfway point before they were diverted to the half marathon course. Then because they felt the weather was an issue, the race officials cut the marathon course short and sent the marathoners to the finish line at 22 miles instead of 26. This was devastating to some who were trying to qualify for the Boston Marathon. This action knocked some out of the running completely. Very disappointing for them.

       
         The Finish Line

My daughter finished with a personal record in her now worn out  Brooks Glycerin running shoes. Unfortunately due to the sheer number of runners, I missed seeing her at the finish line, as well as everyone else I was there to support. Crap! But we were able to get pictures afterwards. It was scary though watching some of the runners literally being dragged across the finish line nearly unconscious. Sadly, we later learned that one of those runners actually died from cardiac arrest. Now that is truly frightening.

The girls were exhausted and hurting but exhilarated. A day well spent and one filled with lasting memories. The death aside, I must say the overall experience was something that I would have never wanted to miss. Taking just one more leg of this fabulous journey that we have chosen to embark upon.

The bus ride back to the Radisson included runners from Tennessee and Kentucky and some ladies from parts unknown. Our “Chatty Cathy” rider from Texas entertained us with his exhilaration and enthusiasm. The ride only took about 15 minutes but it was a nice finish to a well spent morning. However, there were a couple of speed bumps along the way back.

Crap Happens

One of the runners was nauseous and was giving it her best not to hurl over everyone aboard. Thankfully she waited until we made it back to the hotel. Unfortunately, another one of the riders had experienced what has to be the most humiliating things that could happen: runners trots. Oh Lordy! She had crapped herself and as we sat on the bus for a good twenty minutes before we left LP Field and another 15 minutes to the hotel, it got a little dicey. As we disembarked the bus and made our way to the lobby, it was painfully obvious what had happened. She had tried to cover it up with her jacket only to have it seep through. I just hate to think about the next group to ride that bus. Ugh! As we entered the elevators, some innocent bystander made a comment about something stinking. I wanted to crawl under the rug. I have definitely decided that the day something like this ever happens to me will be the day I give up running.....

              Retail Therapy

After a well deserved nap and the passing of some ugly thunderstorms that spawned a few tornadoes, we decided to visit the Opry Mills Outlet Mall. We enjoyed the visit but quickly realized we were too exhausted to last very long. So after an hour or so we returned to the hotel, called it a night and retired to a deep sleep. The next day we had a noon check out and took full advantage of it. We packed up and headed home just in time to stop along the way to visit the Franklin Street Festival. Another adventure to blog about.

What a fabulous time we had! Next weekend it is a Run Through The Roses 10K run in Huntsville, Alabama.